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RYE, N.Y. -- The flag outside the firehouse hung at half-mast, an occasional breeze bringing it to life against the pale gray backdrop of the sky.
Local residents were gathered there Sunday afternoon to observe the passing of 10 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Nearly 3,000 people died that day, 15 of whom came from Rye. "We will always keep them in our hearts," Mayor Doug French told the crowd. The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scouts followed by a bagpipe tribute by Kevin Perry. Fire Chaplain Andrea Raynor gave the benediction. Local officials in attendance, including Congresswoman Nita Lowey, State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Assemblyman George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett and County Legislator Judy Myers, took turns at the podium to offer their remarks. "This day is supposed to painful," said Myers. "And we have to remember that." After everyone spoke, there was a procession to the memorial gazebo, which bears the names of the 15 members of the Rye community who were lost that day.
Walking in front was Holly O'Neill-Melville, whose husband Sean O'Neill died in the attacks. At the time, she was pregnant with their daughter, whom she named Sean. Young Sean, wearing a red summer dress, walked at her mother's side. An invocation was given by Father Joseph Lim of the Resurrection Church. Standing in front of the gazebo, Sean read a poem with her mother, followed by the names of the 15 lost. "As long as we live, they too shall live here," read Sean. "For they are now a part of us as we remember them." How did you spend the day on the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11?
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